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1980s © Marc Drolet. Photo courtesy of Ernest
Ernest is a chain of stores offering ready-to-wear men’s clothing and accessories in styles from casual to dressy. The company was founded in 1958 by self-taught Montreal businessman Ernest Iarrera (1932–2014), the son of Italian immigrants. Following the launch of the first store on St. Catherine Street West, the chain quickly began opening outlets across Quebec.
As of 2018, there are 30 Ernest stores, located primarily in shopping malls. The company also operates stores under the names Anthony (one location) and Jonathan (six locations).
In addition to stocking a number of international brands, the company designs its own collections under the labels Anthony of London and Orvieto.
Mark and Carolyn Iarrera, the late founder’s children, now run the business.
Sources
ernest.ca External link
Fournier, Marie-Eve. « À l’aube de ses 50 ans, Ernest continue de croître. » La Presse, La Presse, ltée., 5 septembre 2016, http://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/f0ee4496-6e40-4569-80ff-e7cc2cb3be1f__7C___0.html. External link
Niosi, Laurence. « Ernest Iarrera (1932-2014) : l’entrepreneur autodidacte. » La Presse, La Presse Inc., 12 mai 2014, http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/passages/201405/12/01-4765804-ernest-iarrera-1932-2014-lentrepreneur-autodidacte.php. External link
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